Liz Carmouche, a seasoned MMA veteran, finds herself in a unique and uncertain position as she transitions from being a Bellator champion to competing in the PFL. Her unexpected trilogy fight with Juliana Velasquez and the ambiguity surrounding her Bellator title status add layers of intrigue to her upcoming challenges.
Carmouche's journey took an unexpected turn when Bellator was sold to PFL, prompting her to shift gears and join the PFL's season-long tournament. Despite her initial mixed feelings about the sale, Carmouche saw the potential for greater financial rewards and the opportunity to add another belt to her collection in a new promotion.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Carmouche expressed her excitement about the prospect of competing in the PFL and the chance to secure a $1 million prize at the end of the season. However, the uncertainty surrounding her status as the Bellator flyweight champion remains a lingering question mark.
"I don’t know either," Carmouche admitted with a laugh when asked about her Bellator title. "My answer is we’re both still in limbo. It’s weird, but at the same time, it’s kind of fun. You get a clean slate every year."
Adding to the intrigue is Carmouche's trilogy fight with Juliana Velasquez, a former Bellator champion whom Carmouche has defeated twice before. The unexpected matchup surprised Carmouche, who initially expected to face Taila Santos in the tournament.
Despite the familiarity with Velasquez, Carmouche is not taking the fight lightly. She acknowledges Velasquez's determination to avenge her previous losses and sees the trilogy as an opportunity to improve her performance and secure her spot in the tournament.
"Even with two wins over Velasquez... I still was not happy with how I performed," Carmouche explained. "Opportunity No. 3, I get to clean that up... It’s not just a third rematch. It’s a rematch to get to a million dollars."
Carmouche's journey from Bellator to PFL, coupled with the uncertainties and challenges she faces, adds an element of excitement to her upcoming fights. As she navigates this new chapter in her career, Carmouche remains focused on proving herself and chasing victory in the competitive world of MMA.
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